Identify the Asian Hornet — Difference from European Hornet

Identification

Is this an Asian hornet?

Take a photo and compare with these traits. Not sure? Send the photo via WhatsApp — we'll take a free look.

The biggest confusion is with the European hornet — which is larger, lighter and protected. Here's how to tell them apart.

Yellow legs
Bright yellow leg tips on all six legs — the strongest identifier.
Dark body
Dark brown to black, with one distinct orange-yellow band on the abdomen.
Orange face
Head and face are orange-yellow.
Smaller size
Workers ~2 cm — smaller than a European hornet.

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Larger
Workers 2.5–3.5 cm — noticeably bigger than the Asian species.
Brown/yellow striped
Body has multiple stripes, not a single band.
Brown legs
No bright yellow leg tips.
Protected species
The European hornet is beneficial and must not be casually killed.

Nest signs

Small, round, size of a tennis ball up to a melon. Often low: sheds, garden houses, hedges. Usually contains 1–2 queens.

Much larger — from beach ball to 80 cm. Often high in trees, sometimes on roofs or in wall cavities. Can contain 2000+ hornets.

Spherical or pear-shaped, papery grey-brown outer layer with visible layers.

Constant busy flight movement in and out of a single opening, especially in daylight when weather is fair.

FAQ

What is the geelpoothoornaar?

Geelpoothoornaar is the official Dutch name (since 2026) for the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina). Same species.

Is the Asian hornet dangerous?

An individual hornet is usually not aggressive and only stings when threatened. A nest defends aggressively — keep distance.

What does the Asian hornet do in nature?

It's an invasive species that preys mainly on honeybees and other insects. Serious threat to beekeeping and biodiversity.

Difference from a wasp?

A wasp is much smaller (1–1.8 cm), bright yellow-black with a thin waist. A hornet is larger, darker, with a broader body.

Send a photo via WhatsApp. We'll tell you whether it's the Asian hornet and what's best to do.